AUSTRALIA
SBS

AAP

A public hearing into child sex abuse in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the sometimes controversial Christian church, starts in Sydney on Monday.

In the inquiry, which is expected to run for two weeks, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will hear from people who allege abuse within the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church in Australia.

The commission will also examine the responses of the church and its company – the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd – to complaints made against members.

The Witnesses are best known for their door-to-door proselytising as they spread the message of what they believe is the true meaning of the bible.

They are also known for their refusal to accept blood transfusions and have been accused of being a “cult”.